This unit covers the foundation skills to ensure effective communication and assessment strategies are adopted during the patient consultation. The lectures provide a step-by-step guide in assessment strategies as part of a holistic consultation including referral, informed consent, written and photo documentation and other information to support positive patient outcomes. Lectures also explore the various patient management systems currently used in aesthetics, and how they can tie together all aspects of patient assessment and consultation to ensure best practice.

This unit is divided into a theory and a practical component. The practical competencies are demonstrated and assessed as part of each dermal therapy case study performed on patients in the AACDS Student Clinics.

This unit forms a strong foundation for clinical practice by exploring the theoretical principles of epidermal resurfacing procedures. Lecturers take an evidence-based approach focusing on clinical microdermabrasion, chemical resurfacing and micro/skin needling. Students will gain knowledge of the procedural guidelines for each epidermal resurfacing therapy in order to achieve safe and effective treatment outcomes and adhere to best practice polices.

(Includes approved Laser Safety Officer’s Certificate)

This unit forms a strong foundation for clinical practice by exploring the theoretical principles of dermal procedures using laser and light-based systems. A comprehensive knowledge will be developed in relation to laser and light physics including tissue interaction, parameter selection and treatment protocols. This unit also encompasses safety issues relating to light-based therapies as outlined by the current radiation safety act in order for the student to achieve a Radiation Safety Officer’s Certificate through the Radiological Council of Western Australia and Queensland Radiation Health (a prerequisite to practise class 3B and 4 laser in WA, QLD and Tas).

This unit provides students with the necessary underpinning knowledge in human anatomy and physiology whilst providing a foundation for further studies in dermal science. Lectures explore each organ system and its relevance to skin health and dermal procedures. Throughout this unit there is a strong focus on how environmental factors, genetics, intrinsic ageing and endocrine changes affect the histological and visual qualities of the skin.

Cosmeceutical science will significantly enhance the practitioner’s knowledge of key ingredients used in over-the-counter cosmeceuticals and prescription pharmaceuticals. This knowledge is highly beneficial to effectively treat common skin concerns and complement cosmetic surgical and/or dermal therapy procedures. This unit provides an evidence-based approach to specific cosmeceutical ingredients as opposed to branded formulas.

This unit ensures students hold essential knowledge and skills to maintain infection prevention in all areas associated with dermal and cosmetic injectable procedures. Lectures focus on current hygiene standards and regulations and the principles of infection prevention in a cosmetic medical context.

This unit is divided into a theory and a practical component. The practical competencies are demonstrated and assessed as part of each dermal therapy case study performed on patients in the AACDS Student Clinics.

This practical unit applies theoretical knowledge to the development of clinical skills in operating laser and light-based therapies for the treatment of benign pigmented and vascular lesions, skin rejuvenation and hair reduction. Practical training sessions require the student to perform a range of case studies utilising laser, intense pulsed light and light-emitting diodes. Demonstration of skills also include patient consultation, skin analysis, informed consent and patient aftercare advice.

This practical unit applies the theoretical principles of chemical resurfacing to the clinical application of superficial peels in a cosmetic medical context. Case studies are performed utilising a range of peeling agents such as Jessner’s, AHAs and TCA. Demonstration of skills also include patient consultation, skin analysis, informed consent and patient aftercare advice.

This practical unit provides skills development in levels 1 to 3 of clinical microdermabrasion. Learning encompasses the use of both crystal and crystal-free microdermabrasion as an effective epidermal resurfacing technique as well as a combination approach for light-based therapies. Demonstration of skills will include patient consultation, skin analysis, informed consent and patient aftercare advice.

This practical unit applies theoretical knowledge to clinical skills development in skin (micro) needling procedures in a cosmetic medical context. Students will perform a number of case studies focusing on the application of topical anaesthetics, skin preparation and safe and hygienic treatment techniques. Demonstration of skills also include patient consultation, skin analysis, informed consent and patient aftercare advice.

This unit provides an in-depth knowledge of commonly performed cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Lectures examine the indications, techniques, complications and recovery involved in cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures and also discusses the analysis of facial and body proportions. On completion of the unit, students will gain an understanding of their role in assisting the surgeon and should be able to provide clear and accurate information to patients regarding a range of cosmetic procedures.

Dermal therapy involves the close and personal interaction with patients, and a background knowledge of personality types and human behaviour will enable the Dermal Therapist to have a greater understanding of patient care. Lecture topics include psychosocial aspects of cosmetic medicine and surgery, self-perception (body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia), global perceptions of beauty and the role of the media in cosmetic medicine.

Managerial and marketing skills are an important asset to have in any small business environment and is a competency highly sought after by potential employers in the field of aesthetics. This unit explores the key management and marketing skills required to establish, grow and promote a cosmetic medical or non-medical clinic. Lectures discuss effective and ethical marketing strategies with a focus on social media and the regulations surrounding the marketing of cosmetic procedures in Australia.

This unit forms the foundation for correct skin analysis and selection of dermal therapy procedures within a cosmetic medical context. Lectures focus on skin physiology, the presentation and pathophysiology of dermatologic disorders, repair abilities and wound care.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to identify a range of dermatologic and cosmetic skin conditions in order to work within their scope of practice or refer to other medical professionals. The practical component of this unit involves the student using a dermatoscope to identify and examine skin lesions to enhance dermal procedures and provide a holistic approach to dermal practice.

This unit provides an in-depth knowledge of commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. Lectures examine the indications, techniques, complications and recovery involved in cosmetic surgical procedures and also discusses the analysis of facial and body proportions.

On completion of this unit, Nurses will gain an understanding of their role in assisting the surgeon in aspects of pre and post-operative care and be able to provide clear and accurate information to patients regarding a range of cosmetic surgical procedures.

This unit provides Nurses with the underpinning theoretical knowledge and skills development for administering basic cosmetic injectable procedures. Lectures cover the standard protocols for best practice using cosmetic neurotoxins and a range of dermal fillers. Knowledge will be developed in facial anatomy, rheology, pharmacology and absolute and relative contraindications. Clinical skills will be developed through supervised hands-on case studies requiring consultation, informed consent, facial analysis, product selection and dosage and patient aftercare advice to ensure a complete and effective cosmetic medical service.

This unit forms the foundation for understanding the impact the gut microbiome and nutritional and lifestyle factors have on skin health. Lectures focus on conception of the microbiome and its important functions, understanding nutritional, hormonal and digestive health and detoxification.

On unit completion, Cosmetic Nurses and Dermal Therapists will be able to identify nutritional and lifestyle factors that affect the skin through poor microbiome health and be able to implement strategies to improve patient outcomes.